IFT

IFT (formerly Institute for Free Trade)

Background

The IFT is a thinktank that pushes “the moral case for open commerce”. It was originally launched as the Institute for Free Trade in September 2017, with a launch event held in the Foreign Office.

It had to drop the word 'institute' from its name after an inquiry by Companies House, with all references to 'institute' removed from its website. It is now officially registered as IFT Ltd, having previously been registered as the Initiative for International Trade Ltd.

The IFT's president is Tory MEP and Brexit campaigner Daniel Hannan, who last year spoke at an event hosted by US thinktank the Heritage Foundation — a US thinktank known for opposing climate action and environmental regulations and was at the heart of Donald Trump's transition team in the weeks before he became president.

Key Quotes

“Free trade is what lifted us above the run of nations and, in the process, lifted others. It is one of those delightful things – along with smiles and kisses – that enriches both parties. It is time we recovered our global vocation.”

Key Deeds

December 2017

The IFTdrops the word 'institute' from its name after an inquiry by Companies House. Use of the word 'institute' in an organisation's title is protected by law and reserved for those “that typically undertake research at the highest level, or are professional bodies of the highest standing”. Companies House and the business secretary must give permission for it to be used.

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